The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Federal University Oye-Ekiti FUOYE, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba (SAN), has declared that the University recorded tremendous and unprecedented development during the tenure of out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Senator Egba made this known while giving his remarks on Sunday during the Valedictory service in honour of Prof. Fasina’s meritorious service to the University.
The event, which held at the University’s chapel of Transformation (church), kicked off the 10th Convocation ceremonies of the University.
Speaking about what he called a transparent and transformative administration of the Vice-Chancellor, the Council chairman, who was represented by one of the external Council members, Hon (Mrs.) Nike Omowoeare, poured encomiums on the outgoing VC.
Senator Egba said, “When he, (Prof Fasina) assumed office, the varsity was faced with challenges and several accreditation issues, but with a clear focus and exemplary leadership, the VC has changed these challenges into opportunities. And he ensured an unprecedented growth in human and infrastructural projects for the University. .
“Under his watch, this varsity has seen unprecedented and tremendous development, significant among which are the blue roofs buildings, students enrollment, academic and staff welfare and most importantly, appointment of more staff members.
” Your ability to work in harmony with Council and members of staff, among others has ensured there is tremendous growth. I want to say thank you for making our job easy, through transparency and accountability. It was great working with you,” Ndoma Egba said.
Appreciating the graduands, some of whom were present at the service, he said: “Graduands, you have proven to be good examples of your parents, especially those of you who have been working for God in this church. Working for God at this stage is great.”
In a most admirable way, Hon. Omowoeare, who recalled the challenges Prof. Fasina had faced during his tenure, but surmounted, gave the VC a new name, and christened him after the Council Chairman’s name, Victor.
“It was God that won your battle for you. We thank God for victories and we thank God that this man has finished well. You have fought a good fight and finished your race in most noble manner. Thank you for your services to the University. You have done well and we wish you well.”
Earlier, the event had featured hearty praise and worship session by the teeming crowd in attendance, who comprised students, graduands, parents of graduands, Council members, friends and family of Prof. Fasina, his management team and many members of staff.
The VC and his family danced profusely in appreciation to God, and there was also a testimony session in which five graduands from the University gave significant testimonies to appreciate God.
Of significant note were the testimonies rendered by two graduands from the University’s institute of Part time studies.While the first, who said she had spent six years seeking for admission, made a 2.1, the second graduand, was grateful to God for making a first class after sitting for WAEC seven times before securing admission into the University’s Part -Time programme.
Graduands who made first class were rewarded as usual, with a sum of N50,000 each, as sponsored by the chairman of the chapel of Transformation, Dr. Agu.
The toughing sermon by Pastor Dr Kayode Ayinde, followed the choir ministration elegantly. The cleric started on a note of celebrating the VC and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Bosede Fasina.
He also warmly recognized and celebrated the Vice-Chancellor designate, Prof. Olalekan Joshua Ogunwole, while equally congratulating all the graduands.
In a sermon titled: “Time and season of life”, Pastor Ayinde harped on the need for everyone to be grateful to God and express thanksgiving at all times, especially when things turn awry.
On a conclusive note, the out-going Vice-Chancellor was given an opportunity to give his testimony.
He rolled severally on the church’s alter before he rendered his testimony saying he appreciated God for standing by him all through the turbulent moments during his stewardship to the University.
He said: “I want to give thanks to the God Almighty for making today possible, when all the counsel of men failed, God was there for us. It can only be God. What God cannot do does not exist. I also want to appreciate, the Chairman of Council, he is a man God sent by grace.
” What no man can do, he did it. In those challenges, l saw opportunities, FUOYE grew and became the fourth most sought after University in Nigeria. My greatest joy is that I have a successor whom God has ordained for this University. And I pray that like I did succeed, he will succeed. I saw Mercy grace at play.
“There were revelations here and there. But God saw us through .I want to plead with anyone I have offended in this University. I want you to forgive me. In my speed at getting things done for the University, l.might have trampled on anyone, please forgive me. Anyone who has offended me, I have also forgiven, let us move forward in the spirit of peace.
” FUOYE is destined to be great and by God’s grace, she will be great. From eight faculties to 18 faculties, and then we had 160 infrastructure projects in just five years!. It can only be God. Don’t let us take the grace and mercy of God for granted.
Allow the peace of God to reign. I plead with you all, cooperate with the man who is coming after me. There is still a lot to be done. Fasina has done his part. I appreciate God for the fact that I am finishing well and strong,” he said.
